A great deal of focus was being committed to Fakhretdinov’s opponent, Kevin Lee, heading into their battle on the first of the month, and understandably so: he was returning to the promotion after some time away, had previously fought for the interim lightweight title, and had always profiled as someone capable (and maybe even expected) to challenge for championship gold again in the future.
As such, the final preliminary card fight on the first event of July became a perfect breakout opportunity for Fakhretdinov, who had earned dominant, wrestling-heavy decision wins over Andreas Michailidis and Bryan Battle in each of his first two UFC appearances.
Against Lee, the streaking 31-year-old Russian needed to just 55 seconds to secure his third straight UFC win and 20th consecutive victory overall.
HALF-YEAR AWARDS: The Newcomers | The Upsets | The Submissions | The Knockouts | The Fights | The Fighters
A straight right hand put Lee on the canvas, and as he looked to wrestle up, Fakhretdinov latched on to a guillotine choke that put the returning “Motown Phenom” to sleep.
Now 3-0 in the UFC and brandishing a bevy of dangerous weapons, “Gladiator” is going to be seeking a Top 15 dance partner very soon, and there aren’t going to be many folks eager to accept that invitation.
Honorable Mentions: Grant Dawson, Nursulton Riziboev, Dricus Du Plessis, Denise Gomes, Jesus Aguilar, Gabriel Bonfim
